Application number: 52/23

Application closes: 16/06/2023

Role:                    Legal Officer

Level:                   LG 05

Salary range:         $35,426 – $39,836

Location:               Suva

Unit/Division:       Legal Practitioners Unit

Reporting Responsibilities;

1. Reports to: Principal Legal Officer
2. Liaises with: All officers in the Legal Practitioners Unit
3. Subordinates: Court Officers, Clerical Officers, Assistant Court Officers and GWE’s

 

The Position

The position will be responsible to the Principal Legal Officer through the Senior Legal Officer, Legal Practitioners Unit (“LPU”), for the effective and expeditious processing of complaints, supervision of investigations and prosecution of legal practitioners, law firms and employees of law firms before the Independent Legal Services Commission pursuant to the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act 2009. In processing complaints, the incumbent would be required to carry out preliminary brief analysis of complaints to determine whether the complaint is to be referred to the respective practitioners, law firm or employee and provide advice to the Chief Registrar on the appropriate course of action. Prosecute complaints before the Independent Legal Services Commission and assist in appeals before the Fiji Court of Appeal. Responsible for vetting applications for practicing certificates and monitoring of trust accounts.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out preliminary brief analysis of complaints to determine whether the complaint is to be referred to the respective practitioners, law firm or employee;
• Provide legal opinions;
• Preparing affidavits, submissions and other court documents;
• Drafting disciplinary charges;
• Draft correspondence;
• Attend meetings with stakeholders for instance the Registrar for Titles/Companies, Director of Lands, Bank Managers, auditors, etc;
• Conduct witness conferencing;
• Appear before the Independent Legal Services Commission and conduct trials;
• Assist SLO and PLO in conducting appeals before the Fiji Court of Appeal and Supreme Court;
• Responsible for vetting applications for practicing certificates and monitoring of trust accounts.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Person

Professionally qualified under the provision of the Legal Practitioners Act 2009 with an essential Bachelor of Laws Degree. Must be admitted to the High Court of Fiji. Experience in litigation is preferred.  The following Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities are required to successfully undertake this role:

Knowledge and Experience

1. Good knowledge of Legal Practitioners Act 2009 and Trust Accounts Act 1996;
2. Good knowledge on the procedures followed by Courts and Independent Legal Services Commission;
3. Good knowledge on PSC Acts, Regulations, General Orders, Financial Instructions, Circulars;
4. Good knowledge and understanding of the Fijian Constitution (2013).

Skills and Abilities

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
2. Excellent research skills;
3. Strong analytical, interpretive and organizational skills;
4. Ability to draft charges and affidavits;
5. Ability to organize work and work cooperatively within a team environment;
6. Ability to prepare reports and submissions;
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality;
8. Demonstrated capacity to render accurate legal opinions;
9. Demonstrated ability to supervise and lead support staff.

Personal Character and Eligibility

Applicants for employment in the Judicial Department must be Fijian Citizens, under Age 60, in sound health, with a clear police record. The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical report and police clearance prior to taking up duty.

 

The Judicial Department is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible, qualified applicants.

 

To apply for this role please provide an up-to-date resume with a photograph, copies of Academic Certificates & Transcripts, at least two referees, with one being a current or recent supervisor, a filled JD Form 01 which is available on website www.judiciary.gov.fj or from any Court Registry Fiji wide or HR Office in Suva.  Applications that do not meet the selection criteria will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  If you are not contacted by the Judicial Department, your application has not been successful and we thank you for your interest in applying.

 

Applications for the position must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 16^th June 2023 and addressed to:

 

Applications by Post:

The Chief Registrar

Judicial Department

P.O.Box 2215

Government Buildings

Suva

 

OR

 

Applications delivered:

Judicial Department

HR Section

Level 3, Kelton House

Loftus Street

Suva, Fiji

 

OR

 

Email Application:

vacancies.judicial@judicial.gov.fj

 

LATE, UNSIGNED OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED AND THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO MAKE ANY APPOINTMENT.

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